Q: What makes Southern Granary unique?
A: At Southern Granary, we offer a one-of-a-kind blend of industrial-rustic charm in a location that's as convenient as it is secluded. Just off Main Street in Altavista, you'd never guess you're moments from town when you arrive on our 30 acres of meadows, trees, and riverfront—a setting that feels like a peaceful countryside escape. We customize our pricing to fit the size of your event and your unique selections, making sure your experience is as personal as it is memorable. And don’t forget our stunning, handcrafted 16-foot farmhouse tables—guests always love them!
Q: How do I reserve a date?
A: Reserve your date with a signed contract and paid first payment of $1000 for a date during peak months or $500 for non-peak months.
Q: What is a Pre-Wedding Meeting?
A: Your Pre-Wedding Meeting at Southern Granary is when you will choose your reception table layout, ceremony chair layout, let us know details about your vendors, pay your balance, give us your timeline, etc. This meeting is on or before 16 days prior to your rental start date!
Q: What is the Security Deposit?
A: The refundable security deposit is returned within 10 days of your event provided the specifications of the security deposit were met.
Q: Is a Wedding Coordinator required?
A: An experienced wedding coordinator is a must-have, and we provide one of our 3 in-house Day-of Coordinators, included! The wedding coordinator handles all the details to help ensure your wedding runs smoothly and as stress-free as possible.
Q: How many tables and chairs do you have?
A: We have 200 Premier Event solid hardwood folding chairs with seat pads and 9 sixteen ft & 5 eight ft handcrafted Farmhouse tables that we set up according to your favorite table layout. We also have 200 premier white plastic chairs for the outdoor ceremony field or patio. We do all set-up & take-down of inside & outside tables and chairs for you!
Q: Are we required to use certain vendors? Are there local vendors?
A: Our “Local Vendors List” includes our “Dream Team” of favorite vendors and many others that we recommend. You choose your vendors!
Q: Where can I get ready?
A: Southern Granary has a large Bridal Suite for the Bride and Bridesmaids to get ready and the Groom’s Den for the guys, both climate controlled and each with an adjoining restroom. You can also take advantage of our beautiful new Southern Guesthouse’s “getting ready room” just around the corner with a whole house stay!
Q: How many bathrooms do you have?
A: Indoor, we have men’s and women’s restrooms, both ADA accessible, as well as a single bathroom for the caterers. Spacious men’s & women’s restrooms are available on the Patio as well.
Q: What is included in our rental of southern Granary?
A: These are the amenities available…
Beautiful climate controlled facilities.
Handmade glossy Farmhouse tables & sweetheart table and padded wood chairs ~ as many as needed for your event, up to 200 seats. We have (9) 16ft. tables (5) 8ft tables. All the tables are 33” wide. We also provide beautiful wood tables for you to use for gifts, favors, memorabilia, desserts and more.
Large indoor ADA accessible bathrooms.
Spacious Catering Area which includes a fridge/freezer, chest freezer, large sink, microwave and plenty of prep tables. This room has its own entrance from the outside which makes it easy for the caterers to load & unload food and supplies.
Three popular ceremony locations: Ceremony Meadow, Patio Ceremony or Indoor Ceremony. Your choice of the Geometric Arbor, Triangle, Cross, or Square, as available.
Beautiful outdoor photo-ops ~ trees, woods, meadows, riverfront, train track area, passing trains, sunsets, etc.
Ample designated Onsite Parking for guests, family, and vendors, either in the parking field or gravel parking area.
Assistance with your table layout plan (how the tables will be physically arranged in the room). You choose the layout during the Pre-Wedding Meeting, then we take it from there and have it all set up for you when you arrive! We handle all set up and take down of tables & chairs inside & out.
NEW Southern Granary in-house Day-of Coordinator included!
Southern Granary Team Member onsite during your entire event to gladly help with questions or building needs. Restrooms are fully stocked. Bagged trash removal is included.
Offsite trash disposal included
Q: Does Southern Granary have a sound system?
A: We have an indoor/outdoor speaker with microphone available to rent. Inside are specifically wired appropriate electrical outlets for sound equipment for your event’s Audio & Visual needs.
Q: Is alcohol allowed?
A: Yes, we permit alcohol to be served & consumed responsibly. We do recommend that that the service of alcohol is included (“Host Liquor Liability”) in a one-day event liability policy. ABC license is required if you will be selling alcohol at your event, i.e. cash bar.
Q: I’d like to decorate southern Granary for my event. What are the guidelines?
A: Southern Granary can be used as is, or dressed up as you please! Flowers, candles, signs, table décor, or even furniture, are all welcome! We’ve already hung the twinkle lights for you! See the contract for decorating guidelines. We partner with two fabulous local vendors that have large selections of wedding decor and will decorate for you!
Q: When will I be able to decorate?
A: You or your decorator have access to the venue at the start of the generous rental time as agreed to on your contract. A Set Up Day (Full or Short & Sweet Day), the day before your event, is an option, as available.
Q: Can my caterer drop off supplies early?
A: Vendors are welcome to come during your rental time.
Q: What is the size of the main room?
A: The main room itself is over 3250 sq. ft. Including the bathrooms, catering area, dressing suites or attached covered patio, the total climate controlled inside space is over 6,000 sq. ft.
Q: What cleaning am I responsible for after my event?
A: Our “Kiss & Go” cleaning policy means you just get your decor & go! If you’d like to opt for a discount to do some basic cleaning before you go, more details available.
Q: Can we do sparklers for our exit?
A: Yes! Sparklers are popular for patio exits! We have a metal can that the sparklers must immediately go into afterwards. Ribbon sticks, glowsticks, bubbles are also allowed on the patio. Birdseed and real flower petals are allowed in the meadow.
Q: What else should I know?
A: Available to you, complimentary, are table number signs, “Mr & Mrs” signs for the head table, ring boxes, cake & cupcake stands, canned beverage chilling trays, and more!
Pets allowed with prior approval. We’ve had several furry friends participate in the ceremony!
The train does not have a set schedule – it runs as needed 24/7 — as with any railroad track, use caution when crossing. If you’re lucky, you can get a photo with a passing train in the background.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ACCOMMODATIONS?
A: Yes! We have a large historic house one block away with a hot tub & fire pit, ping-pong table and beds for 12+. It has 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and is absolutely gorgeous inside! Guests rave about the comfortable mattresses and amentities. Rent the whole house or just one 1-2 bedroom suite: https://www.southerngranary.com/southern-guesthouse/